The Nigerians in Diaspora Assembly (NiDA) in London has commended Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), following his recent dual honours: a professional doctorate in Leadership (Energy Law) from the International Business School of Scandinavia, and the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference 2025, held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
In a statement on Saturday, NiDA London President Dr Sani Abubakar and Secretary Mrs. Chioma Okorafor lauded Komolafe for elevating Nigeria’s profile on the international stage.
“These recognitions reflect the calibre of leadership and innovation that Nigerians can bring to global governance. Engineer Komolafe’s achievements demonstrate that merit, integrity, and hard work are respected worldwide, and they reinforce Nigeria’s reputation as a nation of competent professionals,” the statement reads.
The diaspora group highlighted Komolafe’s transformative leadership at NUPRC, particularly in steering reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and advancing indigenous participation.
“His tenure has brought measurable progress in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, from a surge in active rig counts to substantial fiscal surpluses. The Host Community Development Trust has exceeded N350 billion, funding projects that restore peace and provide tangible benefits to local communities. These results show that responsible leadership drives both economic growth and social development,” the statement added.
NiDA London also emphasized the symbolic importance of Komolafe’s awards for all Nigerians living abroad.
“Engineer Komolafe’s dual honours serve as an inspiration to Nigerians worldwide. They send a powerful message that our citizens, irrespective of religion or region, can gain global recognition when they pursue excellence, uphold transparency, and commit to ethical governance,” the group said.
The statement further noted that the accolades reinforce Nigeria’s emerging status as a credible and attractive destination for energy investment.
“By combining regulatory rigor with strategic foresight, Komolafe has positioned Nigeria as a transparent and competitive hub for upstream investment. His work underscores the potential of African leadership to shape global energy discourse, and it encourages young Nigerians to aspire to similar standards of professionalism and impact,” the NiDA London officials said.
Since assuming office, Komolafe has overseen a dramatic expansion in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Active rig counts grew from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025, a growth exceeding 760 percent. Revenue performance has consistently surpassed government projections, with surpluses of 18.3 percent in 2022, 14.6 percent in 2023, and 84.2 percent in 2024.
The Host Community Development Trust has channelled billions into infrastructure and social programmes, strengthening relations between oil companies and local populations while aligning with international best practices.
NiDA London urged the Nigerian government to continue supporting visionary leaders like Komolafe and called on the diaspora to recognise and celebrate achievements that reflect the country’s global potential.
“As Nigerians living abroad, we are proud to see one of our own recognised on such a prestigious platform. We encourage all citizens to uphold standards of integrity and professionalism that ensure Nigeria remains a respected player in international development and energy sectors,” they admonished.